The Saplings Times

"As long as Autumn lasts, I shall not have hands, canvas, and colors enough to paint the beautiful things I see."

-Vincent Van Gogh

We've been making the most of Autumn by exploring the colors present in the fallen leaves on the trail, observing and recording signs of Fall in our nature journals, and investigating parts of and types of mushrooms on our many fungi hunts. This time of year provides such a perfect connection of our outdoor and indoor environments. Inside the classroom, you will see Saplings hard at work studying the parts of trees, leaves, and mushrooms, creating booklets on the shapes of leaves, and working on researching types of mushrooms. It is so exciting to be outside with the children when they show excitement over a cool mushroom that they found or a leaf with a fun shape!

Our work mornings are in full swing! The beauty of a Montessori work cycle is in the choice that students have in their learning. With some accountability to expectations for work, students are free to choose how they start their tasks for the day. They begin by planning their day in a work journal and adding to it as the day goes on. At any given moment, when you walk into our classroom, you will see children working on all on content areas. Pictured here, you'll see examples of work in math, language, and geography. During this time students may also be invited to lessons either individually or in small groups. During a work morning, students are encouraged to help each other and learn that the adults in the room are not the only source of support in their learning.

Quiet Time is a favorite part of our day in the Saplings classroom. Right after recess each day, students choose to draw in their quiet time journal, read from their book bin, or just sit and listen to music or an audiobook. Quiet time helps us to settle and reset after the high energy of recess in order to prepare for the afternoon's lessons and activities. Right now, we are listening to Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. Next, we will listen to classical music by request to give the brains who would like the opportunity to focus on their own reading a chance.

Friday, October 16th: Family Friday

Friday, October 30: MVCS Halloween celebration

Wednesday, November 11: Veteran's Day-No school

Wednesday, November 25: half day-dismissal is from 11:45-12:00

Thursday and Friday, November 26 & 27: Thanksgiving break-no school